I find the link between getting breathless during exercise and the surge in BDNF so fascinating. It's a perfect example of how our ancient biology rewards behaviors that were essential for survival. A sprinting human was either chasing dinner or escaping being dinner... both situations where rapid learning and environmental adaptation were critical. The chemistry still honors that.
69yo here; still working; lawyer. My generation grew up and studied without computers. We all had to learn to use computers as adults and we have to keep learning to stay current. Our fairly young IT guy complained that he doesn’t understand why each new function or software update is not “intuitive “ for the older lawyers .
Kathi, this is a brilliant and perfect real-world example of the principle.
You and your entire generation have been engaged in a 40-year, high-intensity cognitive workout. You've been forced to build new neural pathways, deconstruct old systems, and constantly adapt to new user interfaces without the benefit of a "native" digital upbringing.
What your IT guy calls "not intuitive," a cognitive neuroscientist would call "a demanding neuroplasticity protocol." Your brain has been in the gym, building the capacity to learn complex new systems from scratch, for your entire adult life.
Your brain isn't "slow"; it's incredibly well-practiced at the very hard work of learning. Thank you for sharing this.
Tom, thank you so much for this wonderfully insightful explanation…not just “what” to do to improve our aging existence but “why”…messaging that really reinforces the benefits of consistency…and sharing! Which I’ve just done by sending this link to multiple pals.
I retired from a career in public administration two years ago at 71…and, after the accelerated pace of raising a family and working full time for 50 years, it was quite a challenging transition.
Three routines have been life changing: 1) I start the day with a 20 minute nature walk. MWF I do an hour of strength training at a private gym. 2) Tuesday & Saturday is meditation and community as a member of the Blue Lotus Temple sangha right here in my small town. I’ve found Buddhism to be a faith-based distillation of philosophy, psychology, and self-care that puts everything else in perspective. 3) Socially, I create time almost every day with one of my like-minded group of actively still-working friends “Leading Ladies”. And, bonus…of course there’s always a stack of books waiting on my nightstand.
It’s taken two years to fully develop this path, but your excellent writing clearly resonated with what I’ve learned from my own personal experience.
Terry, what a wonderful and generous comment to receive. Thank you. To know that the "why" resonated so deeply that you shared it is the best feedback a writer can hope for.
You haven't just listed routines; you've outlined a complete, multi-domain operating system for a thriving life. It's a perfect, real-world blueprint.
The strength training and walks are the powerful physical signals for muscular and metabolic health. The meditation and sangha are the essential "software updates" for the nervous system, managing the "hardware" of the stress response. The "Leading Ladies" and your stack of books are the crucial inputs for cognitive and social engagement.
It's no wonder it took two years to develop - you've been doing the meticulous work of an engineer, running experiments and refining the protocols based on the data of your own experience. What you've built is a masterclass in how these different systems don't just add up but multiply each other's effects.
It is an absolute privilege to have you in this community. Thank you for sharing your blueprint with us.
Retired at 62 as executive engineer in irrigation department. Started regular yoga online class by subratho bhathra an IITian completed 200 days. Started walking 45 minutes to 60 minutes a day. I do prayers rituals and am care giving to my 85 year old mother smt rama Devi who suffered hip fractures on either leg in a span of a year and almost in bed. Here I find purpose doing care giving and this is exactly where i count my blessings. I offer prayers to shirdhi sai who is my everything in ever walk of life .
I want to learn guitar or playing drums .
I do sudoku, word games, spelling bee and other to helpyself engaged.
I love playing puns and poking sattires in my friends watsapp groups without hurting anyone.
Puli, thank you for sharing this wonderful blueprint for a life well-lived.
What you've described is a perfect, real-world example of a robust and beautifully designed system for the whole person. It has consistent physical inputs with yoga and walking, demanding cognitive engagement with games and the ambition to learn new instruments, a profound and grounding source of purpose through caregiving and faith, and creative expression through humor and connection.
You're demonstrating the core thesis: that a fulfilling life isn't about one single thing, but about the elegant integration of all these systems working together.
Thank you for this beautiful and inspiring summary of your work. It's a privilege to have you in this community.
I find the link between getting breathless during exercise and the surge in BDNF so fascinating. It's a perfect example of how our ancient biology rewards behaviors that were essential for survival. A sprinting human was either chasing dinner or escaping being dinner... both situations where rapid learning and environmental adaptation were critical. The chemistry still honors that.
69yo here; still working; lawyer. My generation grew up and studied without computers. We all had to learn to use computers as adults and we have to keep learning to stay current. Our fairly young IT guy complained that he doesn’t understand why each new function or software update is not “intuitive “ for the older lawyers .
Kathi, this is a brilliant and perfect real-world example of the principle.
You and your entire generation have been engaged in a 40-year, high-intensity cognitive workout. You've been forced to build new neural pathways, deconstruct old systems, and constantly adapt to new user interfaces without the benefit of a "native" digital upbringing.
What your IT guy calls "not intuitive," a cognitive neuroscientist would call "a demanding neuroplasticity protocol." Your brain has been in the gym, building the capacity to learn complex new systems from scratch, for your entire adult life.
Your brain isn't "slow"; it's incredibly well-practiced at the very hard work of learning. Thank you for sharing this.
One of those package designs that’s hard to resist… 😅
Haha, you're absolutely right, Mark.
Sometimes the most complex biochemistry needs the simplest packaging to make the idea stick.
Glad it resonated
Tom, thank you so much for this wonderfully insightful explanation…not just “what” to do to improve our aging existence but “why”…messaging that really reinforces the benefits of consistency…and sharing! Which I’ve just done by sending this link to multiple pals.
I retired from a career in public administration two years ago at 71…and, after the accelerated pace of raising a family and working full time for 50 years, it was quite a challenging transition.
Three routines have been life changing: 1) I start the day with a 20 minute nature walk. MWF I do an hour of strength training at a private gym. 2) Tuesday & Saturday is meditation and community as a member of the Blue Lotus Temple sangha right here in my small town. I’ve found Buddhism to be a faith-based distillation of philosophy, psychology, and self-care that puts everything else in perspective. 3) Socially, I create time almost every day with one of my like-minded group of actively still-working friends “Leading Ladies”. And, bonus…of course there’s always a stack of books waiting on my nightstand.
It’s taken two years to fully develop this path, but your excellent writing clearly resonated with what I’ve learned from my own personal experience.
With my gratitude and very warm wishes, Terry.
Terry, what a wonderful and generous comment to receive. Thank you. To know that the "why" resonated so deeply that you shared it is the best feedback a writer can hope for.
You haven't just listed routines; you've outlined a complete, multi-domain operating system for a thriving life. It's a perfect, real-world blueprint.
The strength training and walks are the powerful physical signals for muscular and metabolic health. The meditation and sangha are the essential "software updates" for the nervous system, managing the "hardware" of the stress response. The "Leading Ladies" and your stack of books are the crucial inputs for cognitive and social engagement.
It's no wonder it took two years to develop - you've been doing the meticulous work of an engineer, running experiments and refining the protocols based on the data of your own experience. What you've built is a masterclass in how these different systems don't just add up but multiply each other's effects.
It is an absolute privilege to have you in this community. Thank you for sharing your blueprint with us.
Retired at 62 as executive engineer in irrigation department. Started regular yoga online class by subratho bhathra an IITian completed 200 days. Started walking 45 minutes to 60 minutes a day. I do prayers rituals and am care giving to my 85 year old mother smt rama Devi who suffered hip fractures on either leg in a span of a year and almost in bed. Here I find purpose doing care giving and this is exactly where i count my blessings. I offer prayers to shirdhi sai who is my everything in ever walk of life .
I want to learn guitar or playing drums .
I do sudoku, word games, spelling bee and other to helpyself engaged.
I love playing puns and poking sattires in my friends watsapp groups without hurting anyone.
Thanx for the opportunity to express
Puli, thank you for sharing this wonderful blueprint for a life well-lived.
What you've described is a perfect, real-world example of a robust and beautifully designed system for the whole person. It has consistent physical inputs with yoga and walking, demanding cognitive engagement with games and the ambition to learn new instruments, a profound and grounding source of purpose through caregiving and faith, and creative expression through humor and connection.
You're demonstrating the core thesis: that a fulfilling life isn't about one single thing, but about the elegant integration of all these systems working together.
Thank you for this beautiful and inspiring summary of your work. It's a privilege to have you in this community.
Thank you sir
Finest regards
Excellent 👌
https://askdrnandi.com/can-your-brain-grow-new-cells-as-you-age-science-says-yes/